Nizampet Lake Rehabilitation Project

Introduction

Nizampet Lake situated in Hyderabad is a man-made lake which measures approx. 3.5 ha (35900 sq. m) with a circumference of approx. 800 m (2600 ft). This Lake forms an integral part of the community ecosystem in Nizampet village and surrounding. Nizampet Lake/Sriramkunta Cheruvu has been adopted by Wells Fargo Indian Solutions Pvt. Ltd. (WFS) in partnership with local NGO ‘Youth for Seva’ (YFS) for the lake conservation. Ladybird Environmental Consulting LLP (LEC) was roped in for its environmental expertise required for the project. This is an 18 month project period (August 2018- January 2020) which is largely focused on developing green belt around the lake and improving it’s the lake ecology. •

Nizampet lake rehabilitation project has completed its one year and the changes we see is incredible. The once barren lake is covered with greenery now all around. In one year we planted over 6000 plants which have grown well. The lake where rarely walkers u should to visit has now become one of the favorite walking point in the Nizampet area with almost 300 footfall everyday. Also, one can observe different species of birds and butterflies around the lake which definitely makes it attractive. Notably, plants and trees are the core of our ecosystem...they can change our lives like they changed Nizampet lake.

Signage Development

Employee Engagement

Wells Fargo employees volunteer in plantation, clean up and plantation maintenance works of periodic basis.

Community Engagement

Formed whatsapp and Facebook group of local communities

Conducting monthly lake safaris.

Quarterly Project Updates

Surveys

We recorded increase in butterfly diversity from 23 to 26 species and from 37 to 46 species of birds. Our monthly bird count recorded 150 birds using the lake area.

The soil analysis revealed that the soil is strongly alkaline in nature hence recommended continuous mulching and adding manure to the plantation sites.

Water analysis indicated the water where idols are immersed is low pH (acidic water) & high Total Dissolved Solids due to the idol immersion. Therefore an immersion tank is being constructed to avoid deterioration of the water further

Plantation Updates

Most of the plants outside the boundary and along the lake shores were well established. We have planted 150 shore plants There are 57 plantation beds wherein we planted 1832 plants. Several species started flowering. The plantation is not only supporting the environment but also supporting the local biodiversity of the lake.

Visitors now spot various different types of birds and butterflies in and around the lake. There were few plants which were not growing well and died. To compensate the loss of these plants at lake we did re-plantation of some species.

Signage Development

We developed 25 bilingual signage which includes; 12 for trees and 13 bird signage. Also 125 plant signages for host and nectar plants were developed. These signage will help in creating awareness about local birds and trees in and around the lake. The content is scientific yet simple language is used. Each has a common English and Telugu name, scientific name is given in English only. Among trees, flower and fruiting season is mentioned along with its medicinal as well as ecological functions. Among birds, information related to their flight period, whether they are migratory and whether the species faces any threats.

Employee Engagement Programmes

Three employee engagement programmes were conducted for the Employees of Wells Fargo India Solution Pvt. Ltd. wherein they helped in maintenance of the habitat.

They helped in de-weeding and removing of the invasive species of plants, mulching and loosening of the soil around the plants, doing lake clean-up activity, giving support to the climbers.

Community Engagement Programmes

In this quarter we conducted four community engagement programmes like nature trails and bird watching programmes for local citizens and schools students.

The programme is basically conducted around the lake. A nature trail is conducted wherein all the flora and the faiuna of the lkake is been explored and the importance of the lake is also been explained.

Free Lake Safaris for Schools

We are conducting free lake tours for local schools and colleges. So far Four school programmes for 150 students have been conducted.

Interested schools/colleges may contact us for free tours. The details are given below: